One-way ticket

[Kat&Fermin 0]

I want to go to my hubby's interview for his visa when he is called.

Because of the uncertainty timeframe of "visa in hand" after interview approval, should I buy a one-way ticket when I go?? I know for Costa Rica it is not allowed (you need to show an onward ticket)

I really want to travel with him to the U.S. and know I shouldn't buy a ticket for him without an approved interview and visa.

What has everyone else done?

Thank you for your help!

[Bugs 455]

I'm confused by your question. If he is getting a visa to come to the US, why do you want to buy a one way ticket to Costa Rica?

[yorubaqueen13 28]

I understand your question... I want to do the same thing.. I hope we get a good answer to this question.. I was thinking i will buy my round trip tkt and just plan on returning about 2 weeks after the interview to b sure there is time to obtain his visa after the interview and then once his visa is approved we will purchase his ticket for the same flight as mine coming back.. but idk if that will work if the flights full.. hmm not sure what to do....

[HappyDeux :-) 0]

I understand your question... I want to do the same thing.. I hope we get a good answer to this question.. I was thinking i will buy my round trip tkt and just plan on returning about 2 weeks after the interview to b sure there is time to obtain his visa after the interview and then once his visa is approved we will purchase his ticket for the same flight as mine coming back.. but idk if that will work if the flights full.. hmm not sure what to do....

+1

[Darnell 8,479]

Oh Geez. if it was China - I'd say - buy a round-trip ticket on you,

then after the interview - harry the hawkers outside the embassy, they are always touting 'immigrant air tickets - leave China for 600 bucks! '

and then

step into 3 of the ticket agents offices,

show them the ticket you have, telling them to get a ticket on the same flight, same day,

and then

get 3 to 5 quotes from these yahoos,

and then

purchase the one that makes sense.

But that's just me, and that's just for China.

I've no idea if there's rows and rows of touts and hawkers outside the IV Unit at the US Embassy in Costa Rica.

China? Sure... Costa Rica ? NO IDEA !!!!

Does your husband have a buddy who's a travel agent? It may be, now is the time your husband makes a new friend !! (or five new friends)

In the end, the IV Unit clearly states - Do Not make travel plans until you have visa packet in hand. Bear that in mind as you are planning stuff.

Edited May 4, 2013 by Darnell

[biaobiao 40]

if you want.. buy a one way ticket first... if possible, book your flight for a saturday.. then a day before your flight, which is a friday, book your return flight. once you are in costa rica, call the travel agency and VOID your ticket.. most travel agency have this policy, EXPEDIA, i know for sure have void options... and it is voidable until the next business day. its voidable before 11:59pm ET the next business day which is already MONDAY if it was purchased on a friday.

agents would refer to is as "one time courtesy cancellation" just to make it sound right and make happy customers...

Edited May 4, 2013 by biaobiao

[lucybelle 453]

You won't always be asked for an onward ticket in Costa Rica (I have never been asked for one). You are far more likely to be asked for one while in the USA. What I do a lot is buy a one way ticket into CR than a 100% refundable ticket out. Once you get in the country you just refund the ticket and in the end it costs you $0. Your ticket does not have to be to the USA, it can be to Nicaragua or Panama. Just make sure you get 100% refundable.

[Ryan H 3,830]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Mexico, Latin & South America regional forum; topic is about travel to Costa Rica and not about the visa process itself.

[Kat&Fermin 0]

Hmm good idea guys !

My friend also told me about getting an "open-ticket." I wonder if that is okay to do.

If not, I may get a bus ticket or something to Panama or Nicaragua..

[mpwhitebird 0]

My wife and I lived in Costa Rica for two years, I am a native Costa Rican and she is German. I am a citizen of both the US and Costa Rica and carry both passports with me. I bought a one way ticket to Costa Rica and wasn't allowed on the plane at the airport. I was forced to prove my Costa Rica citizenship, luckily like I said before, I had my Costa Rican passport on me. For my wife I always buy her tickets where the airline allows date changes without any fees. I hope my situation helps you. Note: If you plan on staying for more than 3 months make sure to leave the country for at least 48 hours before the allowed 90 days are up. Go to Panama or Nicaragua, by doing this you will restart the 90 day count and will keep your status valid in Costa Rica, if not you may face fines or even deportation upon future visits to the country.

Edited May 5, 2013 by mpwhitebird

[lucybelle 453]

Hmm good idea guys !

My friend also told me about getting an "open-ticket." I wonder if that is okay to do.

If not, I may get a bus ticket or something to Panama or Nicaragua..

Bus ticket is okay, "open ticket" is not okay and really expensive. Just buy a one way out of the country and refund it! I do it all the time

My wife and I lived in Costa Rica for two years, I am a native Costa Rican and she is German. I am a citizen of both the US and Costa Rica and carry both passports with me. I bought a one way ticket to Costa Rica and wasn't allowed on the plane at the airport. I was forced to prove my Costa Rica citizenship, luckily like I said before, I had my Costa Rican passport on me. For my wife I always buy her tickets where the airline allows date changes without any fees. I hope my situation helps you. Note: If you plan on staying for more than 3 months make sure to leave the country for at least 48 hours before the allowed 90 days are up. Go to Panama or Nicaragua, by doing this you will restart the 90 day count and will keep your status valid in Costa Rica, if not you may face fines or even deportation upon future visits to the country.

You only need to stay out of the country for 48 hours if you're bringing in taxable goods. You only need to stay across the border for a coffee and then come back in to get a new 90 day stamp. Of course border officials are cracking down on perpetual tourists at the moment. But if it's your first time you should have no problem. When I did border runs before applying for residency I would spend one night in Nicaragua before heading back down. Staying in Nicaragua about 7 hours (less than the bus ride!)

[Kat&Fermin 0]

I see, thanks.